The Parable of the Ten Virgins!

In the end times, it is clear that there will be those that lose heart over time. Jesus understood that we would all need encouragement in the last days. This parable was given to some of the twelve disciples, just days before his crucifixion. It's a picture of ten virgins, waiting for the Bridegroom's (Jesus) return. We see that even though all are called virgins, there is a distinct difference between the wise and the foolish.

This very much is like another parable with similar references known as the wheat and the tares. This is a picture of followers of Christ, being preparing for the rapture (catching away) of the followers of Christ. There is a distinct separation here, they were all virgins, (professing Christians) but five were foolish and five were wise. What made the foolish, foolish? They took their lamps but no extra oil. Why would you take no oil to refill your lamp, if you knew you were going to need it?

What made the wise, wise? They not only had oil in their lamps, but as well as oil in their vessels. (Prepared). Notice, All of them fell asleep, while waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. It was late, midnight and a voice cried to go out and meet him. They all got up and got their lamps ready. The foolish wanted the oil of the wise, because there lamps were going out (they weren't prepared). But the wise said there wasn't enough for both of them and that they needed to go and buy for themselves.

However, as the foolish were leaving to buy their oil, the bridegroom came. Those that were prepared went in with him and then the door was shut. The other virgins returned and found the door closed, because they said Lord, Lord Open the door to us. He told them "I don't know You, I am not acquainted with you", so they didn't get in. Then he gave a warning and instructions to all those that would listen in the last verse. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Watch and be ready).

We are talking about the second coming of Christ. There were ten, but they all claimed to be virgins (believers). The distinct difference that I noticed besides five wise and five foolish was what made the five wise and the other foolish. The five wise were prepared, they not only had oil in their lamps but they carried oil in their vessels. What bothered me was why did the foolish not have any oil at all, but carry a lamp?

Then word "appearance" came up in my spirit. So they appeared to be ready, but weren't. What will the virgin look like that is ready? Rev 19:8 - tell us - She has been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white for the fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just, and godly living, deeds, and conduct, and right standing with God) of the saints (God's holy people).

Then I recalled the bible verse 2 Tim 3:5 "they will hold a form of godliness, but will deny its power". If the oil is the representation of the Holy Spirit then they didn't have an intimate relationship with The Holy Spirit. There was an investment to be made here called time. The investment, was building a close relationship over time with the Holy Spirit and getting to know him Intimately, which became the by product of their oil.

You must have your own personal relationship with the Holy Spirit; you can't get it any other way. He said to them "I know you not". They claimed to know him, but he said "I don't know you". Again, looking at this bible verse: Matt 7:22 - 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' His response to them was again "depart from me, I never knew you".

Oil in scripture is a representation of the Holy Spirit and our intimacy with Christ. The lamp holds the oil that causes the wick to burn. The wick can be lit without the oil, but it will burn quickly, therefore it won't last. It would also give the "appearance" of being ready, when they weren't. Perhaps, that's why, they were called "foolish". In Matt 7:24 -29 Also refers to the "foolish builders".

When it was all said and done, I saw this. We must form our own personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. He is a person and we need to have an intimate relationship with him. We need to always make sure that we have extra "oil" to put in our lamps so that we will be prepared when The Bridegroom's returns.

Last of all, he gave us a warning in verse- 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh! It doesn't matter when he comes, we need to be ready and prepared to go out and meet him or we will miss him.

In Noah's time, they were drinking and laughing and carrying on, while Noah was building the boat. I wonder how many thought Noah was foolish wasting his time building a boat. I'm sure they all thought that, until that terrible day arrived and the door was shut and no one else was allowed in the boat and the flood came!

One other thing that I noticed, in verse 10, gives a clue as to why they didn't see him. They weren't ready and they weren't prepared. They had no oil to illuminate their lamps that they were carrying. I saw this as they weren't able to see him because they lacked the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

I also saw the lamp as perhaps something that we think that is more important than having a personal relationship with Christ. Without Christ, we are nothing! The calling is great, but the message of Jesus Christ is greater! Our time here is earth is just a vapor, compared to what our life in eternity will be.

Matthew 25, 1-13 (KJV): Parable of Ten Virgins 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. F48 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Prayer: Father, my life is just a vapor here on earth. Teach me how to live with the purpose of eternity in my heart. I've heard your word and I acknowledge your ways. I know that the path is narrow, and that I must have a personal intimate relationship with you. I cannot purchase the oil for my lamp; I must make an investment in getting to know you and acknowledging you in every part of my life. I want to know you Lord, I want to know the person of the Holy Spirit, that which is the person that you speak through. Help me to keep oil in my vessel and my lamp burning. Prepare me for your coming. For, I do not know when you will come, but I must be ready and prepared to go.

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